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Medical care facilities have specific needs when it comes to buying furniture. As with furniture for any public place, safety and durability are the major areas that need a lot of thought and research, patient-friendly design and comfort cannot be ignored as well.
Each type of medical care facility needs specialised medical equipment; furniture is one common component that finds its place in every medical facility. Hospital furniture is the first impression of the nature of the area. Planning furniture arrangements is crucial. Will the seating be adequate to accommodate everyone? Maybe a few combined-seats will accommodate a larger number of people in a smaller space? Is the seat height comfortable for everyone? Whether to get low-height seats for elderly and people with disabilities or not? What type of furniture should be used for patient rooms? These are some tricky questions that need to be answered when planning to purchase healthcare furniture.
Let’s have a look at some of the factors in detail.
- Hygiene – Medical facilities are exposed to people with harmful germs and infections. Surfaces of tables, chairs, and other furniture can be breeding grounds for such germs. Select surfaces that are non-porous and do not allow lurking of germs. Nowadays, antimicrobial surfaces and upholstery are also easily available.
- Aesthetics – Furnishing is an integral part of a medical facility that goes way beyond than providing just accommodation. Colour scheme of healthcare furniture is vital to make the patient comfortable. A bright and shiny colour scheme can make the patient feel uneasy.
- Comfort – Hospital is not a picnic spot for fun and recreational activities. Most people are already in an uncomfortable position (mentally), an uncomfortable waiting room furniture will only make the wait only longer. Think about seat height, arm-rest position, and adjustable furnishings.
- Durability – Looks and comfort are essential but what if the furniture you just bought a few months back broke down? Look for brands that have been in the industry for long and have proven durability. Always go through customer reviews over different e-commerce platforms, buy furniture that is suitable for kids as well as full-size adults. Also, think about the replacement cost of a single component. Will replacing a single component be cost-efficient than replacing the whole object?
- Cheaper options – Saving a few dollars is not something to aim for while purchasing furniture for your medical facility. Busy healthcare institutions should focus on quality furniture that is expected to last for longer, proving to be a good long-term investment.
- Consider people of different sizes – A medical facility is a large institution that caters to people with different sizes. You should consider the accommodation of people with heavy bodies and large structures.
- Cleaning ease – Ability to quickly clean the furniture is as essential as it being comfortable. Avoid materials that absorb liquids and retain stains. No one wants to sit on a chair with a big coffee stain. Instead, look for a material that is stain-resistant or coated with a similar material. Also, there should be adequate space to provide access for dusting and cleaning.
- Use of environmentally safe products – Choose furniture that is comfortable for the people using it, and for the environment. Avoid furniture that contains volatile substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are harmful to the environment and for the people nearby.
- Privacy – Hospital furniture is much more than just tables and chairs. Configurable furniture with more privacy is a better investment for the staff as well as the patients. The nurses and the doctors won’t be distracted during the treatment, and the patients also feel comfortable knowing that their privacy is respected.
Do your research and learn more about medical facility furniture before starting the purchase process. You can also get in touch with an expert for detailed advice.
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